136 Drawing Ideas for Adults | Unleash Your Creativity

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Last Updated on May 22, 2023 by Dee

Looking for drawing ideas for adults?

If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many adults find themselves struggling to come up with new ideas for drawing and artwork

But luckily, we’ve got you covered. This blog post will share 136 drawing ideas or drawing prompts that will help unleash your creativity!

So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s get started!

Why Adults Need to Draw

Drawing is a creative and expressive activity that can help to nurture your mind and soul.

Whether you are an experienced artist or a complete beginner, the process of creating something with your own two hands can be incredibly rewarding.

However, many people struggle to develop new drawing ideas, especially as adults.

That’s because we’re so used to thinking about drawing as a child’s activity; we tend to assume that our adult brains don’t have the capacity for things like abstract shapes and complex themes.

But in reality, creativity comes in all shapes and forms, regardless of age or experience level.

So if you find yourself struggling to come up with fresh drawing ideas, don’t give up! The cool drawing ideas list below will inspire you to create some beautiful drawings.

[Related Article: Standing Pose Reference for Accurate Proportions]

Instead, take some time to explore different materials and techniques that allow you to tap into your inner creativity and unleash your imagination like never before.

With a little bit of experimentation, you’ll soon discover that there is no limit to what you can create when you embrace the power of drawing!

136 Drawing Ideas For Adults

Illustrate a Character from Your Favorite Novel

[Related article: 150+ Cute Drawings for Inspiration]

Drawing Faces

Faces are great to draw because they are so expressive.

Each person’s face is unique, and there are many ways to capture a person’s personality in a drawing.

Furthermore, faces are relatively easy to draw compared to other subjects, making them ideal for beginners.

Drawings of faces can be used to capture emotions, tell stories, or simply showcase someone’s appearance.

No matter the reason, faces make for wonderful drawings that will please any artist.

Gesture Drawing

If you’ve ever been to an art museum, chances are you’ve seen someone sketching in a notebook or on a large sheet of paper.

This type of drawing is called gesture drawing, and it’s a quick way to capture the essence of the human figure.

Gesture drawings are usually done in pencil or charcoal, and they often have a loose, fluid quality to them.

The goal is not to produce a realistic likeness but rather to capture the movement and energy of the subject. This is a fun challenge for any artist.

[Related Article: Sitting Drawing Reference | 18 Free Poses to Help You with Figure Drawing]

To do this, artists typically sketch the basic shapes and use a few simple lines to indicate the overall shape of the figure and the major joints and limbs.

By focusing on the essential details, gesture drawings can convey very concise information.

For artists, gesture drawing is an important tool for studying the human form and capturing fleeting moments of time.

[Related article: Anime Pose Reference]

Everyday Objects

Are you looking for stuff to draw that will unleash your inner artist? Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting with art, there are plenty of love drawing ideas out there to inspire you.

For those who enjoy altcore art, why not try an artistic sun drawing or draw fabric in a unique and creative way?

If you’re in the mood for something easy and romantic, there are plenty of simple yet beautiful options to choose from.

Alternatively, try some funny drawing prompts for adults, like drawing a school bus with a quirky twist.

Self Portrait

Draw Animals

Outer Space

Another cool drawing idea is to draw outer space. This can be anything from planets and stars to galaxies and nebulae.

This is a great idea for anyone who wants to explore their creativity, as there are no limits to what you can create when drawing outer space.

Keep in mind that this drawing idea can be very challenging, so it’s important to start with simple shapes and gradually add more detail as you go.

Another tip is to use reference materials, such as photos or videos of outer space to help you get a better understanding of what you’re drawing.

Figure Drawing

It’s a good idea to use reference photos when doing figure drawing.

This is because the human body is a complex subject, and it can be difficult to get the proportions right without some help.

Another tip for figure drawing is to start with the basic shapes of the body and then add details like muscles, bones, and joints.

This will help you create a more accurate drawing.

Drawing Trees

Still Life

Although some people may think that drawing is a talent that you are born with, the truth is that it is a skill that can be learned and practiced. And there is no better way to practice than by drawing still life.

By focusing on inanimate objects, you can really hone your skills and learn to see the world around you in a new way.

One of the benefits of practicing still-life drawing is that it forces you to really look at your subject matter.

When you are drawing a person or animal, it can be easy to get caught up in the details and miss the big picture.

But with still life, you have to take everything into account – the shape, shadow, and light – in order to create a realistic drawing. This attention to detail will help you improve your overall drawing skills.

In addition, practicing still life drawings can help adults relax and de-stress. The act of focusing on your artwork and blocking out the rest of the world can be very soothing.

And when you are happy with the results of your work, it can be extremely satisfying.

So if you are looking for a way to improve your drawing skills and relax at the same time, still life painting is definitely worth trying.

Check out these awesome Skull Drawing Reference Images.

Mythical creatures

Favorite Fairy Tale

Dream House

This is a great way to practice drawing perspective.

Start by drawing a simple house. Then, add in details like trees, bushes, and a driveway. Once you have the basic structure down, start thinking about how you would change it to make it your dream home.

Would you add a pool? A garage? A garden? Let your imagination run wild!

[Related article: How to create the illusion of depth in Art.]

Golden Gate Bridge

Game Board

Exotic Animals

Favorite Building

Drawing is a fun and rewarding activity that anyone can enjoy. It’s a great way to express your creativity, relax, and connect with the world around you.

When you draw your favorite building, you create a unique representation of that place that is entirely your own.

It’s a way to capture the details and dimensions of the structure in a way that photographs simply can’t.

And it’s a chance to really study and appreciate the beauty of architecture.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or just getting started, drawing your favorite building is a great way to pass the time and create something beautiful.

Hair Styles

Cooking Utensils

Dessert

Fruit

[Check out this cool video on how to draw fruit]

Insects

Musical Instruments

Drawing is often thought of as a static medium, but creating a representational drawing of a moving object can be a challenging and revealing experience.

When you draw a musical instrument, you are capturing not only its physical form but also its function.

The way the air moves through the reeds of a clarinet or the strings of a violin can add expressive details to your drawing.

In addition, observing how the different parts of the instrument work together can give you a greater understanding of how it produces sound.

As you grow in your understanding of drawing, you may find that representing musical instruments becomes one of your favorite challenges.

Cityscape

Clothing Designs

Check out my Couple Poses Drawing Reference for more inspiration.

Couples

Emotions

Famous Works of Art

Holidays

Your Hobby

Sports Equipment

Different Types of Shoes

When it comes to drawing, understanding form and shape is essential. And one of the best ways to better understand form and shape is to practice drawing different types of shoes.

By observing the different shapes and sizes of shoes, you can learn how to depict three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. You’ll also learn how to vary your line weight and shading to create a sense of depth and volume.

So whether you’re just starting out as an artist or you’ve been drawing for years, take some time to focus on drawing different types of shoes. You may be surprised at what you learn about form and shape in the process.

Vehicles

Your Neighborhood

Your School

The Beach

Vacation Destination

Party Scenes

You can gather some easy drawing ideas from real-life subject matter. A fun idea is to take some quick snaps at a party and start sketching the scenes.

Your Favorite Restaurant

Famous Landmarks

Drawing familiar landmarks is a great way to improve your artistic skills. When you draw a well-known building or monument, you are forced to pay close attention to the details.

This can help you develop a stronger eye for detail and a better understanding of spatial relationships. In addition, drawing famous landmarks can also help you to improve your sense of perspective.

By studying the way that light interacts with the different surfaces of a landmark, you can learn to create a more realistic sense of depth in your drawings. As a result, drawing famous landmarks can be a great way to hone your skills as an artist.

Childhood Memories

Family Members

Celebrities

Movie Posters

Television Shows

Video Games

Album Covers

Famous Photographs

Product Packaging

As any artist knows, practice makes perfect. The more you draw, the better you will become at using line, form, and space to create attractive compositions.

One great way to practice your skills is to draw product packaging. Every day, we are surrounded by countless examples of packaging design, from cereal boxes to shampoo bottles.

By studying these designs and trying to recreate them on paper, you can develop a keen eye for detail and learn how to use different design elements effectively.

In addition, drawing product packaging can also help you hone your skills at reproducing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. As a result, it is an excellent exercise for any artist who wants to improve their ability to create realistic drawings.

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Magazine Covers

Advertising Campaigns

Billboards

Posters for Local Events

Your City’s Skyline

Famous Paintings

Sculptures

Tattoos

Graffiti murals

A piece of jewelry

Drawing is a demanding activity that hones analysis and observational skills. To accurately reproduce the object in two dimensions, the artist must understand its three-dimensional structure.

This understanding can often be difficult to achieve without the physical manipulation of the object. Additionally, drawing from life helps the artist to develop a keen sense of observation.

The artist learns to pick up on subtleties that might otherwise be missed by carefully studying the subject.

Even when drawing something as seemingly simple as a piece of jewelry, the artist must pay close attention to details such as shadows and highlights.

In this way, drawing can improve both artistic skills and the powers of observation.

Your favorite character from a book

Fictional places

The cover of your favorite magazine

A picture from your last vacation

One of your family members (or friend’s) pets

Your dream car or house

Your favorite musical artist

Famous athletes

Mythological creatures

Halloween costumes

Thanksgiving dinner

There’s more to drawing Thanksgiving dinner than simply capturing a likeness of the food on the table.

Sketching out the scene can help sharpen your powers of observation and improve your attention to detail. In addition, working with a variety of different mediums can help to broaden your artistic skills.

For example, you might experiment with using charcoal to capture the rich colors of roasted turkey or try using pen and ink to create a detailed line drawing of the feast.

Whatever approach you take, drawing Thanksgiving dinner can be a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday.

Christmas decorations

A snowman, gingerbread house, or Christmas tree

Your favorite food

A flower

The sunset or sunrise

A rainbow

The stars

The moon

Outer space

The ocean or a specific beach

Tropical fish

Drawing tropical fish can be a calming and enjoyable experience. The bright colors and interesting patterns of these fish can help to focus and relax the mind.

In addition, drawing fish can also help to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Tropical fish are also a great subject for beginners, as their simple shapes make them easy to draw. So next time you’re feeling stressed, try sitting down with a pencil and paper and drawing some tropical fish. You may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be.

A field of flowers

The Eiffel Tower

Mount Fuji

The Grand Canyon

Niagara Falls

The Great Wall of China

Petals falling from a flower

Butterflies

A ladybug

A dragonfly

When you want to learn how to draw a dragonfly, it is important to look at the dragonfly in nature first. They are amazing creatures with delicate wings that move so fast; they are a blur.

To capture the motion of the dragonfly in your drawing, start by sketching the basic shape of the body and wings. Then add details like the patterns on the wings and the spikey antennae.

Remember to keep the lines light and loose – this will help to convey the sense of movement in your drawing.

Finally, add some shading to give your dragonfly some dimension.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to create a realistic and lifelike drawing of this beautiful insect.

A caterpillar

A shooting star

A comet

The Northern Lights

A galaxy

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The Milky Way

Planet Earth

This is certainly one of the best places you can get drawing inspiration! There is no shortage of beautiful things to draw on planet Earth.

You can find inspiration in the stunning landscapes, the amazing variety of plant and animal life, and the fascinating patterns and shapes of rocks and minerals.

Whether you’re looking for something simple to sketch or a complex scene to recreate, you’re sure to find it here. And don’t forget about the night sky!

The stars and planets offer an endless supply of subject matter for artists of all levels. So get out your pencils and paper and start exploring all that our planet has to offer.

An artist’s drawing board

A pencil

A pen

A paintbrush

Paint palette

A drawing of a hand holding a pencil

The Mona Lisa

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

There are few works of art as iconic as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. This masterpiece has been studied and admired for centuries, and it continues to fascinate audiences today.

If you’re an adult beginner when it comes to drawing, you may feel intimidated by the prospect of tackling such complex work.

However, there are good reasons why you should give it a try. For one thing, drawing The Last Supper can be a great way to improve your skills.

Not only will you have to grapple with perspective and composition, but you’ll also get the opportunity to practice drawing a variety of different subjects.

In addition, studying Leonardo’s work can better understand the techniques that he used to create such a timeless painting. So don’t be afraid to take on this challenge – you may just surprise yourself with what you’re able to achieve.

The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

The Solar System

The universe

Abstract shapes and patterns

A koi fish pond

A labyrinth

A mandala

Mandalas are often used as a form of meditation, as the repetitive patterns can be quite calming.

They can also be used as a way to achieve a sense of balance and harmony.

Mandalas can be created with any medium, but they are typically drawn or painted.

Creating a mandala is often seen as a spiritual journey, and the final product is often seen as a reflection of the artist’s inner self.

Your favorite cafe

A childhood memory

A snapshot of your daily routine

Your hometown

An imaginary place

Somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit

The inside of a volcano

Even though it might be one of the most dangerous places on Earth, there’s no denying that volcanoes are fascinating. And what’s more, they’re surprisingly easy to sketch!

Just a few simple tips can help you capture the power and majesty of a volcano in your drawing.

First, start by sketching the outline of the volcano.

Then, add details like lava flows, ash clouds, and plumes of smoke.

Finally, don’t forget to add a few people or animals for scale.

With just a little bit of effort, you can create a stunning illustration of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena.

The surface of the moon

Underwater

In a jungle

In the desert

On top of a mountain

Inside a cave

A haunted house

A castle

On a tropical island

In an igloo

In the snow

Inside a log cabin

On top of a skyscraper

In an abandoned city

Inside a treehouse

A treehouse is a perfect place to let your imagination run wild. The sky’s the limit, whether you’re designing a whimsical hideaway for magical creatures or a sleek and modern lair for your action figures.

And, best of all, you can get some great exercise while you’re at it!

Drawing the inside of a treehouse is a great way to stretch your creative muscles 🙂

A day at the circus

This list of drawing ideas include many promptsfor adults, ranging from cute pictures to draw, to more complex black and white realistic drawings. One interesting subject to practice is learning how to draw a girl, which can be approached through different styles and techniques.

For those who are looking for easy pictures to draw for adults, there are countless themes and subjects to choose from, allowing you to hone your skills at your own pace. More advanced artists may find themselves captivated by hyper-realistic drawings, where the level of detail and realism can be truly breathtaking.

So, whether you’re interested in simple illustrations or mastering the art of realism, there’s a world of inspiration just waiting to be discovered.

3 Awesome Drawing Exercises (Practice For Adults)

If you’re looking for some fun and interesting drawing exercises to help improve your skills, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will share three awesome exercises that adults can do to practice their drawing.

Draw With Your Non-Dominant Hand

The first exercise is to draw with your non-dominant hand. This may seem difficult at first, but it’s actually a great way to get out of your comfort zone and think creatively. Don’t worry about perfection; just let your hand move freely and see what kinds of shapes and lines you can create. You may be surprised by the results.

Blind Contour Drawing

The second exercise is blind contour drawing. For this one, you’ll need a partner. Sit across from each other and take turns drawing a simple object without taking your eyes off of your partner’s face. This exercise will help you to understand better how to observe and capture the contours of an object.

Upside Down Drawing

The last exercise is upside-down drawing. This is a great way to help train your brain to see things in new ways. Simply take a piece of paper and draw an object on it upside down. Turn the paper over once you’re finished and see how accurate your drawing is.

More adult drawing ideas…

ChatGPT

When it comes to drawing ideas for adults, the possibilities are endless. From free pictures to draw that can provide inspiration, to using a drawing generator that offers random prompts to spark creativity, there’s always something to get your pen moving.

For those interested in honing specific skills, learning how to draw a rose can be a beautiful and challenging endeavor, allowing you to explore the intricacy of petals and stems. For an exciting twist, consider trying a shark drawing.

The sharp angles of the shark’s body and its fierce presence will surely add drama to your sketchbook. Shifting the focus from the sea to the sky, butterfly drawings can be an exercise in delicacy and detail.

The iconic Monarch butterfly, with its intricate butterfly wings pattern, is a popular choice.

If you’re looking for a burst of color, chalk drawing ideas can bring vibrancy to your art, and drawing a butterfly can be a great way to experiment with various hues and improve your drawing skills.

From delicate lines to bold strokes, drawing as an adult opens up a world of exploration and expression.

More places to find easy drawing ideas…

If you’re stuck for ideas the next time you want to draw, try one of these techniques:

1. Take a walk outside and look for interesting shapes in nature. Then, try to sketch them.
2. For easy life drawing ideas, look at everyday objects around your house and try to draw them from different angles.
3. Browse through magazines or online images and pick out a few things that stand out to you. Then, try to recreate them in your own way.
4. Use your imagination! Close your eyes and picture a scene in your mind, then try to capture it on paper.

With a little creativity, you’ll be sure to find plenty of subjects to draw. So get started today and see what you can come up with!

Need some guidance? A step by step drawing tutorial or a drawing lesson with step by step instructions can help you master the art of drawing straight lines and perfect shapes. Check out my Youtube Channel for drawing tips and inspiration.

Are you ready for a challenge?

It can be easy to get stuck in a rut, especially when it comes to creative pursuits.

If you’re feeling uninspired, one way to jumpstart your creativity is to set yourself a challenge.

Whether it’s coming up with a new design for a project or creating a piece of art using unexpected materials, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can help you tap into your hidden reserves of creativity.

So if you’re ready for a challenge, why not try something new? You might be surprised by what you’re able to create.

Drawing to Unwind and Explore

Drawing can be a great way to unwind and explore your creativity, no matter your age. If you’re looking for new drawing ideas as an adult, why not try your hand at 3D drawing? This style of art can add an extra dimension to your work and challenge your skills in new ways.

Another fun idea is to create cute love drawings, which can be a great way to express your affection for someone special. If you’re looking for drawing inspiration for kids, consider incorporating their favorite characters or interests into your art.

And for those who enjoy a good optical illusion, there are plenty of tutorials and examples available online to help you create mind-bending images.

Of course, these are just a few options – there are countless other types of drawings to explore. And if you’re looking for more options or guidance, consider checking out professional drawing services or taking a class to hone your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions…

What is the best drawing app?

Procreate is the best app that lets you create digital art on your iPad. It has a wide range of features and tools that allow you to create almost any type of drawing or painting imaginable.

It also has a built-in time-lapse function that lets you record your process and share it with others.

What can I do with my drawings?

If you’re wondering what to do with your drawings, why not display them on a frame or canvas? You could also scan them and share them online with friends and family.

Another option is to use them as inspiration for other projects, such as paintings or sculptures.

And if you’re really proud of your work, you could even enter it in competitions or exhibitions. Who knows, you might just end up being the next big thing!

What is the most fun thing to draw?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on each individual’s interests and preferences.

However, some fun things to draw might include animals, cartoon characters, flowers, or landscapes.

The important thing is to have fun and experiment with different subjects and styles until you find something that you enjoy drawing.

What should I draw right now?

If you’re drawing for the first time, it might be good to start with something simple, like a still life or a portrait.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try your hand at drawing a cityscape or a landscape?

Remember, there are no rules for drawing, so let your imagination run wild and see what you can create!

What is emotive drawing?

Emotive drawing is a type of drawing that seeks to evoke an emotional response from the viewer.

It can be used to communicate feelings or convey a message and is often used in political or social commentary.

Emotive drawing can be achieved through the use of line, color, and composition and often employs symbolism and allegory.

If you’re interested in trying emotive drawing, why not start by drawing something that makes you feel angry or happy?

See if you can communicate those emotions through your drawing. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers in art so just let yourself go and see what you can create!

[Related article: 21 Action Poses for Dynamic Figure Drawing]

What fun things can you draw?

Drawing is a fun and easy way to pass the time, express your creativity and document your thoughts and ideas.

The great thing about drawing is that anyone can do it! You don’t need any special skills or talents, just a willingness to experiment and have fun.

There are endless possibilities and endless drawing ideas! You can start by drawing things from your everyday life, like your favorite food or animal.

Or you can let your imagination run wild and create an entirely new world on paper. Once you start drawing, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the ideas start flowing.

If you’re not sure where to start, plenty of resources are available to help you get started.

There are books full of step-by-step tutorials, online classes, and even YouTube videos that can teach you the basics of drawing.

And once you’ve mastered the basics, there’s no limit to what you can create. So what are you waiting for? Pick up a pencil and start exploring the world of drawing!

How can I make my art more interesting?

One way to make your art more interesting is to experiment with different mediums.

Rather than sticking to one type of material, try incorporating a variety of different textures and colors into your work. Another way to add interest to your art is to play with contrast.

Incorporating both light and dark elements into your paintings or sculptures can create a sense of depth and drama.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with abstraction. Distorting or exaggerating certain features can give your artwork a unique perspective that will capture viewers’ attention.

By thinking outside the box, you can create truly original and fascinating art.

What are some good drawing topics?

One of the great things about drawing is that there are no limits to what you can draw.

Whether you’re looking for easy drawing ideas or complex drawing ideas, abstract or realistic, there’s a drawing topic out there for you. You might want to try something simple like a still life if you’re just getting started.

This will allow you to focus on learning the basics of drawing without being overwhelmed by too much detail.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start to experiment with more challenging subjects like portraits or landscapes.

Or, if you’re feeling really creative, you can even make up your own drawing topics. The only limit is your imagination!

How do I come up with drawing ideas?

Coming up with drawing ideas can be tough. The best way to get started is to simply look around you and find inspiration in the world around you.

Start by exploring drawing ideas like focusing on the things that you see every day, like your favorite food or animal. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start to experiment with more challenging subjects like portraits or landscapes.

Or, if you’re feeling really creative, you can

What can I draw when I am bored?

When faced with a blank page, it can be difficult to know where to start.

However, a few simple exercises can help break the ice and get the creative juices flowing.

[Related article: The Right Digital Art Canvas Size]

One approach is setting a timer for one minute and drawing whatever comes to mind without overthinking it. This can be a great way to loosen up and let the subconscious take over.

Another option is to choose an object from around the room and sketch it in as much detail as possible. This exercise helps to improve observational skills and can also lead to some surprising results.

If all else fails, try looking through a magazine or online for inspiration. Cutting out images and collaging them together can create an interesting starting point for a drawing or painting.

Even the most mundane objects can be turned into something beautiful with a little imagination.

So next time you find yourself feeling bored and uninspired, remember that endless possibilities are waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

If you have been looking for drawing ideas for adults, you find something to inspire you in the list above. Drawing can be a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity.

There are no rules or limits, so you can let your imagination run wild.

And best of all, anyone can do it! So grab a pencil and paper and get started today 🙂

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